Victoria Grady, program director of the Master’s in Management (MSM) program and associate professor of management at the Donald G. Costello College of Business at George Mason University joined Mason in 2014.
Grady’s research focuses on the inherent loss of stability suffered by organizations introducing and implementing organizational change.
Recently we had the opportunity to chat with Grady to learn more about her insights on what makes Mason’s MSM program All Together Different.
What brought you to Mason?
I was excited about the opportunity to be part of a growing university that was innovative and student-focused.
How does the master's in management curriculum effectively prepare students for a range of professions?
The curriculum provides more flexibility in terms of educational requirements. That flexibility gives students the ability to customize their graduate experience.
As academic director, what is your vision for the future of the MSM program?
I hope to see an increased interest in the program because of the flexibility the program provides. The combination of core business courses and the graduate certificate options will provide students with a unique opportunity to customize their graduate program.
What is some advice that you can give to future applicants and students in your program?
My biggest piece of advice would be to carefully consider which graduate certificate is going to pair the best for your long-term vision. You get to have your 18 credits of core coursework, and then you’ll have the opportunity to do a 12-15 credit graduate certificate. Think about the area you want to focus on as you move forward.
As a professor, what is your teaching strategy to get the most out of your students?
My teaching strategy is a multi-faceted bag of exposure. We do lectures along with timed activities in the classroom that allow students to apply the theories that we're talking about. In addition to the activities, I also love to pull videos or Ted Talks from the internet to give us a little bit more of a broad range perspective. I really like to use that multi-faceted approach to make sure that all the students in the class are engaged and feel like they are an active part of what we're learning.
How did your interest in organizational change management start?
My specific interest in organizational change stemmed from an opportunity I had to instruct military officials of varying ranks on how to use new software applications. What became evident to me was the diverse range of responses from individuals to impending technological change. I maintained contact with these individuals for six months and observed the profound mental transformation brought about by both learning the new technology, but also its impact on the organizational culture and dynamics. This experience solidified my keen interest in studying organizational change.
What are you most proud of in your career to date, why?
My publications that are not a required part of my job: my Harvard Business Review publication in 2021 is probably my most proud to date.
I am also proud of the relationships I have built with business leaders in our community that provide consistent opportunities for my MSM students for internships, researchships, and permanent job opportunities.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.
I have lived in Germany twice. First as a semester abroad and second as a faculty member for the University of Maryland University College.
What are some of your favorite things to do in your off time?
I have two girls. One is very involved in theatre in New York City and the other is part of a competitive cheer team. They keep me completely occupied during my free time.
George Mason University's multi-disciplinary master’s in management program lets students customize their graduate degree to what matters to them. Students gain foundational knowledge in business with masters in management core coursework through the Costello College of Business, while focusing on their own career aspirations by earning a certificate from schools and colleges throughout Mason. Students build a master's program that enhances their skills and accelerates their career.
If you’re interested in learning more about Mason’s Master’s in Management program, register for an upcoming info session or request more information about the program here.